In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 NC Wine Adventures Within a Short Drive from Cary

✈️ Southwest Introduces Assigned Seating, Keeps Free Checked Bags—For Now

❤️ North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene: How To Help

😋 Savor Cary: Hearsay

😋Tasty Trend: Classic Italian Pastina Soup

🏛️ Support Local Businesses: Cary Spotlight Directory

Question: What did the Kratzers do to preserve Cary’s past?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

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• Stir-fried Noodles

• Homemade Egg Rolls

• And try our new sauces for FREE 💖‼️”

You can read their Business Spotlight | Menu

📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
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NC Wine Adventures Within a Short Drive from Cary

North Carolina, the birthplace of America’s first grape, offers wine lovers an array of experiences across approximately 250 wineries and vineyards. Whether it’s enjoying an afternoon sipping wine with llamas, exploring rolling vineyards, or savoring renowned barbecue paired with fine wine, the state provides memorable escapes.

For Cary residents, several of these wine destinations lie just a short drive away. Here are four excellent options, each less than two hours from Cary, offering distinct experiences for every type of wine enthusiast.

Southern Gateway Wine Trail, Lexington, NC

• Distance: ~85 miles

• Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
  Nestled in Lexington, known for its signature barbecue, the Southern Gateway Wine Trail offers a delicious blend of wine and cuisine. With wineries like the award-winning Childress Vineyards, founded by NASCAR legend Richard Childress, visitors can enjoy tastings complemented by barbecue, tours, and scenic views. Website | Get Directions

Duplin Winery, Rose Hill, NC

• Distance: ~95 miles

• Travel Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
  Located east of Cary, near the coast, Duplin Winery is the largest wine production facility on the East Coast. Famous for its sweet wines, including Carolina Red and Hatteras Red, the winery offers guided tastings, tours, and live music events, creating a lively atmosphere for wine lovers.
  Website | Get Directions

Divine Llama Vineyards, East Bend, NC

• Distance: ~105 miles

• Travel Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
  A unique combination of award-winning wine and family-friendly fun, Divine Llama Vineyards is home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast. Just northeast of Winston-Salem, visitors can sip wine while interacting with llamas, and on weekends, embark on llama treks across the scenic property.
  Website | Get Directions

Treehouse Vineyards, Monroe, NC

• Distance: ~120 miles

• Travel Time: ~2 hours
  Located near Charlotte, Treehouse Vineyards offers a whimsical experience, allowing visitors to stay overnight in treehouses overlooking the vineyard. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun day trip, the vineyard serves locally produced wines in a serene setting.

  Website | Get Directions

Just curious…

Southwest Introduces Assigned Seating, Keeps Free Checked Bags—For Now

Southwest Airlines is moving away from its well-known open seating model and will introduce assigned seating by early 2026 as part of its three-year “Southwest. Even Better” initiative. Ticket sales for these flights will begin in late 2025, with premium seats offering up to five extra inches of legroom and early boarding opportunities. About a third of each plane’s seating will fall under this premium category.

Passengers buying the lowest fare can pay a fee to select a seat or receive one assigned just before their flight. Southwest Rapid Rewards members, especially those with A-List or A-List Preferred status, will enjoy more flexibility, with access to select seats at no charge depending on their tier. The new seating will also feature advanced RECARO seats with adjustable headrests, improved cushioning, and device holders.

Southwest confirmed it will keep its two-free-checked-bags policy intact, despite investor pressure to introduce fees for checked luggage. The airline plans to launch red-eye flights in 2025, further expanding service routes. Read Full Report

North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene:
How To Help

Editor’s Note: Help keep yourself, your family and your community safe after Hurricane Helene by being aware of rumors and scams and sharing official information from trusted sources.

Recovery can take many years after a disaster. There are many ways to help such as donating cash, needed items or your time. Learn more about how to help those in need.

Don’t self-deploy to disaster areas. Trusted organizations in the affected areas know where volunteers are needed. Work with an established organization to make sure you have the appropriate safety, training and skills needed to respond.

FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) build relationships and coordinate efforts with voluntary, faith-based and community organizations active in disasters.

Quick Links (North Carolina):

• North Carolina Division of Emergency Management

• NC211.org or call 211

• NCvoad.org

• Ready NC.gov

• North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene Disaster Page

• 24/7 counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline

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Savor Cary: Hearsay

Hearsay is one of the eateries that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Savor Cary Giveaway. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. We will share the results of this reader poll in an upcoming issue. Check out their menu on their website: Hearsay

You can choose from a selection of dining experiences valued at $100 (Dine-in Gift Card). Next drawing: 24 Oct 2024.

Support Local Businesses: Cary Spotlight Directory

Cary, NC! Know anyone who would love a free listing on our new Cary Spotlight Directory? It's a community resource website for newcomers and long time residents. Let them know about our newest asset.

We are adding local businesses, charities and Veterans Organizations and some in these categories:

• Attorneys

• Auto Repair

• Bars

• Beauty & Spas

• Charity & Non-profits

• Health & Healing

• Home Services

• Insurance Agents

• Play-Fun

• Professional Services

• Real Estate Agents

• Restaurants

• Stores

• Veterans Organizations

• Other

Learn more here: https://caryspotlightdirectory.com/

Classic Italian Pastina Soup 😋

What the reviewer said about this recipe: “It’s always best when it’s homemade wouldn’t have it no other way.” So, give it a try.

📋 Ingredients List:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)

• 10-12 cups water

• 3 celery stalks, divided

• 2 onions, peeled, divided

• 3 large carrots, peeled, divided

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided

• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium chicken base

• 1 cup pastina or other tiny pasta

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional

📝 Instructions:

1. Place chicken in a large pot and cover with water.

2. Roughly chop 2 celery stalks, 1.5 onions, and 2 carrots

3. Add to pot with chicken.

4. Season with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 1 hour, covered.

6. Remove chicken, let cool, and shred the meat.

7. Strain the stock, discard solids, and measure 12 cups of liquid.

8. Finely chop remaining celery, onion, and carrot.

9. Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat.

10. Cook vegetables with remaining salt, pepper, and garlic until tender.

11. Add reserved stock and chicken base, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.

12. Increase heat to high, add pasta, and cook for 15 minutes until tender.

13. Reduce heat, add chicken, and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in parsley and serve with Parmesan.

    Source: CatchyMeals